Energy saving autocapture function

New advanced pacemakers incorporate improved pacing functions and diagnostic tools to provide a more safe and reliable pacing therapy. In order not to reduce the pacemaker service life, the battery energy consumption has to be reduced. A clinical study was performed with 113 patients, to evaluate safety and reliability of the Autocapture function. Evoked R wave (ER-wave), intrinsic R wave, pacing threshold via Autocapture and VARIO function were measured at implant and thereafter at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The Autocapture function proved to be safe and efficacious. Energy consumption was extremely low compared with equivalent non-Autocapture pacemakers. The findings indicate that the small size Autocapture pacemakers can provide an estimated service life of more than 8 years.